Can handling device with pouring and piercing means



A. WILLATS Oct. 8, 1963 CAN HANDLING DEVICE WITH POURING AND PIERCING MEANS Filed Dec. 13, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR A. WILLATS Oct. 8, 1963 CAN HANDLING DEVICE WITH POURING AND PIERCING MEANS Filed Dec. 13, 1960 3 Sheets$heet 2 INVENTOR fl fl gy MM Oct. 8, 1963 A. WILLATS 3,106,317

CAN HANDLING DEVICE WITH POURING AND PIERCING MEANS Filed Dec. 15, 1960 1 s Sheets-Sheet s lNVENTOR duall United States Patent 3,106,317 CAN HANDLING DEVICE WITH POURING AND PIERCING NIEANS Anthony Willats, 239 Bell fit, Milton, Ontario, Canada Filed Dec. 13, 1960, Ser. No. 75,612 r Claims. (Cl. 222 -89) This invention nelates to improvements in can openers, and more particularly to improvements in can openers utilized in the opening of cans containing liquids, and combining spike means for the broaching of the lid, spout means to facilitate the pouring of the liquid from the can, and handle means for ease of handling the can especially in the caseof larger cans such as, for instance, those containing fruit juices.

It is conventional practice to open cans containing liquids such as, for instance, fruit juice, soft drinks, oil, anti-freeze solution or the like, by utilizing a spike to puncture two substantially diametrically opposed holes in the lidof the can, adjacent. the edge thereof, having the disadvantages that two distinct puncturing motions are required, and the configuration of either hole causes an uneven stream of liquid to come from the can and drip down the sides thereof while being poured. Furthermore, there is no efficient way to reseal the cans upon some of the contents being retained therein, and, in the case of the larger cans such as, for instance the 48 oz. juice can, the cans themselves are difficult to handle. Other disadvantages are that it is diffioult to measure any amount accurately, and the sharp edges surrounding the holes made in the lid of the can are liable to cut the fingers of small children and .the like who may have access to the cans.

It is an object of this invention to provide a combination can opener, pouring spout and handle, in the following called can handler that will permit a person to open any conventional, domestic size can eifortlessly.

It is another object of this invention to provide a can handler that will provide a pouring spout for theliquid contained in the can. i

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a can handler that will permit the pouring spout to be sealed oil and thereby prevent evaporation or contamination of the remaining contents.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a can handler that will permit ease of handling, especially of larger cans, by incorporating a handle means therewith.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a can handler that is fully adjustable.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a can handler, the spout of which is self-ventilating, thereby eliminating theneed for a second, ventilating hole in the can lid.

It is yet anotherobject oft-his invention to provide a can handler that will permit a person to puncture a hole in a can by means of a leverage arm instead of the more conventional stabbing action.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a can handler, the spout of which will permit accurate pouring, this is especially important on the larger cans upon first being opened.

[it is still another object of this invention to provide a can handler an outstanding feature of which is the speed with which it is both applied to a can or removed therefrom.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a can handler the spout portion of which is easily detachable for eflicient cleaning.

These and other objects and features of this invention will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a can handler embodying this invention shown installed on a conventional can.

FIG. 2 is a mid sectional view of a can handler embodying this invention taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pouring spout embodied in this invention, showing the protective cover in position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hook portion of the adjustable locking device embodied in this invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective View of the lockable pivot arm utilized in conjunction with the hook portion of the locking device as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the steadying handle embodied in this invention.

FIG. 7 is a fractional, sectional view of a can handler embodying this invention shown located on a conventional can in preparation for the opening of the can.

FIG. 8 is a fractional, sectional view of the can handler as illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating the action of the spike portion of the can during the opening action.

FIG. 9 is a fractional side elevation of a can handler as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating in greater detail the operation of the adjustable locking device, the components of which are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 10 is a fractional, sectional side elevation of a can handler as illustrated in FIG. 1, showing in particular an alternative locking device to that illustrated in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. '1 and 2, a can handler indicated generally by arrow 10 comprises a substantially fiat body member 11, a pouring spout 12, an'adjustable locking device'13, a handle grip 14 and an auxiliary handle 15.

Can handler 10 is shown mounted on the lid 16 of a standard type can 17, ,the upper edge 18 0f which is beaded in the conventional manner.

Body member 11 comprises a flat, rigid strip 19 of steel or the like, itsjoverall length being greater than the diameter of the largest cans in domestic use. One end 20 of strip 19 is bent downwardly, substantially at right angles, and thereafter formed into a suitable configuration which, in combination with a conventional handle 21, forms handle grip 14. The opposite end 22 of strip 19 is expanded outwardly to form a substantially wide rectangular portion 23, equally disposed about the centre line of strip 19. The front edge of rectangular portion 23 is bent downwardly and inwardly and bifurcated to form two hook portions 23a respectively which are adapted to engage the beaded upper edge 18 of can 17.

"For the purpose of this description, end 20 of strip 19 will be known as therear end and opposite end 22 will be knownas the front end of the invention.

A rectangular hole 24 is formed in rectangular portion 23 of strip 19 by rectangular portion 23 being slit laterally adjacent its rearmost edge and longitudinally adjacent its oppositely located longitudinal. edges, the material bounded by the lateral and longitudinal slits being bent downwardly and forwardly, substantially at right angles to rectangular portion 23, to form a spike 25. The lower edge of spike 25 is suitably pointed and sharpened to enable it, under pressure, to slice easily into a relatively thin material such as can lid 16. Hole 3 24 in rectangular portion 23 is adapted to receive spout 12 in close, substantially fluid tight relationship.

A slot 26 is formed longitudinally, centrally in strip 19, and extends from substantially the centre thereof rearwardly terminating adjacent end 20. Slot 26 in strip 19 is adapted to permit locking device 13 to be moved longitudinally relative to strip 19.

Locking device 13 comprises a hook portion 27 and a pivot arm 28.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, hook portion 27 comprises a flat, rectangular, steel or the like plate 29, bent about its lateral centre line to form an inverted U-section 39 having two sides 31 land 32, the lower halves of which are bent outwardly at right angles to their respective sides 31 and 32 to form wing plates 33 and 34 respectively. The outermost portions of the forward edges of plates 33 and 34 extend downwardly and forwardly to form two hooks 35 and 36 respectively, adapted to closely engage the beaded upper edge 18 of can 17. A vertical enclosed slot 37 is formed substantially centrally in the vertical, upper portion of U-section 30. U-section 30 is adapted to extend upwardly through slot 26 in strip 19 and the upper surfaces of wing plates 33 and 34 are adapted to contact the undersurface of strip 19, hooks 35 and 36 facing forwardly.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, pivot arm 28 comprises a substantially rectangular plate 39, having a base edge 40, an upper edge 41, front and rear edges 42 and 43 respectively and flat sides 44 and 45. A cotter pin 46 extends through plate 39 adjacent its upper edge 41 and front edge 42 and extends outwardly from one or both sides 44 and 45 and substantially at right angles thereto. Cotter pin 46 is adapted to slidably engage in slot 37 of hook portion 27.

A pivot pin 47 extends through plate 39 in a similar manner to cotter pin 46 and is located substantially forwardly of the vertical centre line of plate 39 and adjacent base edge 40 thereof.

A horizontal catch plate 48 extends outwardly from the rearmost portion of upper edge 41, substantially at right angles to side 44 and then turns downwardly and subsequently inwardly to form a hook portion 49. A gap 50 is formed between hook portion 49 and side 44 of plate 39.

Pivot pin 47 is adapted to rest on the edges 19a of strip 19 and at right angles thereto, supporting plate 39 above and at right angles to slot 26 in strip 19.

It should be noted that upon cotter pin 46 in plate 39 being assembled in slot 37 of book portion 27, pivot arm assembly 28 extends rearwardly of hook portion 27.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, pouring spout 12 comprises a substantially rectangular, tubular body 55 of a resilient, plastic material adapted to be a close fit in hole 24 in rectangular portion 23 of strip 19. A horizontal, circumferential flange 56 is formed substantially halfway up to the outer wall of body 55, and is adapted to contact the upper surface of rectangular portion 23 and thereby limit the downward travel of spout 12 therethrough. Another flange 57, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is formed around body 55 below, and in parallel, spaced apart relationship with flange 56, and is adapted to contact the undersurface of rectangular portion 23 of strip 19 upon flange 56 contacting the upper surface thereof, thereby limiting the upward travel of body 55 in rectangular portion 23. A transverse, rectangular opening 57a is formed through flange 57 forwardly of spout 12 to accommodate prong 25 upon spout 12 being assembled to portion 23 of strip 19.

The forward wall of body 55 of pouring spout 12 slopes upwardly and forwardly from flange 56 to form a lip 58, the lip 58 being the foremost part of spout body 55 and centrally disposed about the longitudinal centre line of strip 19.

Body 55 of pouring spout 12 extends downwardly through rectangular portion 23 of strip 19 and as shown in FIG. 2, the lower front wall 59 thereof is adapted to lie in face to face contact with the rearmost face of spike 25. The lower rear wall 60 of body is shorter than front wall 59, the sides of body 55 being sloped upwardly and rearwardly to suit, and a ventilation hole 61, is formed through rear wall so that, upon can 17 being tilted forwardly, liquid running out of can 17 through spout 12 is replaced by atmospheric air entering can 17 initially through vent hole 61, thus ensuring an even flow of liquid upon can 17 being full.

A lid 62 is hingeably affixed to one side of body 55, a conventional clip mechanism 63 being adapted to contact the opposite side of body 55 and pressurably retain lid 62 in the closed position until pouring spout 12 is required for use. Lid 62 is adapted to conform to the contours of the open, upper end of spout 12 and to completely cover the opening thereof.

Referring to FIG. 6, handle 15 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown. It is of the open rectangular type, being manufactured of strip material, such as, for instance, sheet steel. The lower plate 65 thereof is divided substantially centrally, laterally and the ends 66 and 67 so formed are bent downwardly and outwardly to lie in parallel, spaced apart relationship with bottom plate 65. Handle 15 is located to the rear of pouring spout 12, transversely of strip 19 and is preferably pivotably attached to strip 19 through ends 66 and 67, although alternatively slot 26 may be extended slightly towards rectangular portion 23, the ends 66 and 67 effectively looping around edges 19a thereof as for spot welding thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the opening action of can handler 10 is illustrated. In FIG. 7, hooks 23a are placed under the beaded edge 18 of can 17 and the lower edge of spike 25 rests upon the upper surface of lid 16 of can 17. In this position, strip 19 extends substantially vertically upwardly.

Referring to FIG. 8, strip 19 has been caused to move arcuately downwardly by pressure on handle 21 as illustrated in FIG. 1, spike 25 has been forced to penetrate lid 16 of can 17 and further arcuate downward movement of strip 19 causes the portion of lid 16 torn away by spike 25 to move downwardly and forwardly ahead of the forward face of spike 25, thereby forming a hole 68 in lid 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, the final position of can handler 10 is illustrated in which strip 19 is in parallel, spaced apart relationship with lid 16 of can 17. Spike 25 extends substantially vertically downwards. Lower flange 57 of body 55 of pouring spout 12 is trapped between the lower surface of strip 19 and the upper surface of lid 16 of can 17 thus retaining pouring spout 12 in its location through hole 24 in rectangular portion 23 of strip 19 and also through hole 68 formed in lid 16. The contour of hole 68 is substantially the same as that of spike 25, which in turn is that of hole 24 in rectangular portion 23. Body 55 of pouring spout 12 is adapted to be a close fit in hole 24 and is also, therefore, an equally close fit in hole 68 in lid 16.

It should be noted that hooks 23a are maintained in close relationship with the upper beaded portion of edge 18 of can 17. With locking device 13 in its free position, hooks 35 and 36 of hook portion 27, as illustrated in FIG. 9, are brought in close proximity with the beaded portion of upper edge 18 of can 17. Thereafter, downward pressure on catch plate 48 of pivot arm 28 causes plate 39 to pivot about pivot pin 47, resting on the upper surface of strip 19, causing front edge 42 of plate 39 to move arcuately upwardly. Cotter pin 46 is, therefore, also moved upwardly, and, contacting the upper end of slot 37 in U-section 30 of hook portion 27, causes hook portion 27 also to move upwardly and, therefore, hooks 35 and 36 are brought in pressural contact with the beaded portion of upper edge 18 of can 17.

Further arcuate downward movement of plate 48 increases the pressure between hooks "35 and 36, edge 18 of can 17 and the undersurface of strip 19. At the same time, gap 50 permits hook portion 49 to move downwardly, below strip 19 and it may then be moved inwardly of strip 19 and contact the undersurface of strip 19 and retain pivot arm 28 in the downward position.

It should be noted that there is sufficient sideward movement between pivotassembly 28, hook portion 27 and strip 19 to permit transverse movement of pivot assembly 28 in relation to strip .19 without affecting the etficiency of the locking action thereof.

A person may now grasp handle 21 and auxiliary handle 15 and, after freeing catch 63 of lid 62 and. hingeably removing lid 62 from the open upper end of the pouring spout 12, may pour liquid from can 17 in a smooth, easily controlled stream. The design of lip 58 substantially obviates drips therefrom.

Can handler may remain in position on can 17 until all the contents are used, lid 62 of spout assembly 12 effectively sealing the contents therein.

Upon can 17 becoming empty, can handler 10 is quickly and easily removed by freeing hook portion 49 of pivot assembly 28 from either side 19a of strip 19 and moving catch plate 48 arcuately upwardly thus permitting cotter pin 46 to move downwardly in slot 37 of hook portion 27, whereby hooks 35 and 36 are freed from the beaded portion of upper edge 18 of can '17, and by moving locking device 13 sufficiently rearwardly to clear upper edge 18, handle 21 may be moved arcuately upwardly, pivoting about front hooks 23a until spike 25 is clear of hole 68 in lid '16. Hooks 23a may then be freed from the upper edge 18 of can .17 and can handler 10 removed completely from can 17.

Referring to FIG. 10, a locking device 70' is illustrated as an alternative to locking device 13 as shown in FIGS.

1, 2 and 9.

Locking device 70 comprises a substantially rectangular section, tubular body 71 adapted to be a free sliding fit on strip 19 of can handler 10.

A lower wall 72 of body 71 extends downwardly and forwardly of body 7-1 to form a hook portion 73.

A substantially flat tab 74extends vertically upwardly from the rear edge of upper wall 75 of body 71 and is adapted to facilitate the moving of locking device "70 on strip 19.

A flat, spring plate 76 is pivotably attached to the upper surface of lower wall 72 of body 71 and extends forwardly therefrom to a position substantially forward of hook 73.

A detent 77 is formed transversely in plate 76 and is adapted to project downwardly therefrom in a location forward of and in parallel, spaced apart relationship with hook 73 of body 71.

Upon can handler 10 being applied to a can 17 as previously described, locking device 70 is pushed by means of tab 74, towards the beaded upper edge 18 of can .17. Hook 73 passes under the beading to contact the side wall of can 17 and detent 77 of spring plate 76 simultaneously passes over the beading onto lid 16 of can '17, causing spring 76 to flex upwardly. Detent 77 therefore exerts a downward pressure on lid 16 in the vicinity of beaded upper edge 18 of can 17. Upper edge 18 is supported from underneath by hook 73 and is therefore gripped between spring 76 and hook 73 of body 71.

Locking device 70 is thereby maintained in fixed relationship with can 17 and upon can 17 being raised by handle 14, the weight of can 17 is transferred through beaded upper edge 18 to hook 73 and body 71 to the upper surface of strip 19.

It may be seen that locking device 70 is readily installed on any beaded upper edge 18 as illustrated, and equally easily removed therefrom, by applying pressure in the appropriate direction to tab 74.

Pouring spout assembly 12 is sufficiently flexible to be easily removed from rectangular portion 23 of strip 19 so that it may be washed and sterilized in preparation for the next operation. Spike .25 is the only other portion of can handler 10 to be in contact with the liquid contained within can 17 and it may be easily scrubbed and sterilized without the necessity of immersing the whole of can handler 10 in water.

It may be seen that can handler 10 may be quickly and easily applied to any can 17 having a beaded upper edge 18, the large amount of leverage afforded by strip .19 enabling spike 25 to be easily pushed in and through lid '16. Locking device 13 or 70 is quickly and easily applied with a flick action, there are no drips from the pouring spout assembly 12, the contents of can 17 are kept fresh and sealed by lid 62, and a flick and lift action is all that is necessary to unlock and remove can handler 10 from can 17.

The general design of the individual parts of the invention as explained above may be varied according to requirements in regards to manufacture and production thereof, while still remaining within the spirit and principle of the invention, without prejudicing the novelty thereof.

The embodments of the invention in which an exelusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A can handling device comprising an elongated body member having dual ends, one said end being formed downwardly to form handle means and the other said end being formed downwardly to terminate in hook means, said body member having a perforation formed therethrough, adjacent said hook means, pouring means mounted on said body member at said perforation, piercing means depending from said body member adjacent said hook means, a locking device adjustable on said body member adjacent said handle and engageable with said can; said locking device comprising a substantially tubular member about said body member, a hook portion extending from below said tubular member toward-s engagement with said can, a spring plate carried by said tubular member, a detent being formed in said spring plate: and said hook portion and said detented spring plate co-operating to grip said can.

2. A can handling device comprising an elongated body member having dual ends, one said end being formed downwardly to form handle means and the other said end being formed downwardly to terminate hook means, said body member having a perforation formed therethrough adjacent said hook means, pouring means mounted on said body member at said perforation, piercing means depending from said body member adjacent said hook means; said body member passing through a substantially tubular body; said tubular body supporting a hook portion and a co-operable detented spring plate; said tubular body being slidable along said body member whereby said hook portion and said spring plate may be adjusted toward said can, said sliding causing said hook portion and said spring plate to latch onto said can.

3. A can handling device as defined in claim 1 wherein a tab extends from said locking device to facilitate sliding thereof along said elongated body member.

4. A can handling device as defined in claim 2 wherein a tab extends from said locking device to facilitate sliding thereof along said elongated body member.

5. A can handling device as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular member is of unitary construction, formed about said body member, from a single piece of sheet material having a tab portion and said hook portion integral therewith; said hook portion extending towards a can from below said body member, said detented spring plate being attached to said tubular member between said hook portion and said body member; movement of said tab member away from said handle being effective to cause a tendency to separation between said spring plate and said hook portion upon same contacting said spring plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Kidder July 31, 1900 Hopkins Feb. 7, 1928 8 Lindley July 23, 1935 Higbee Dec. 24, 1935 Lyons Aug. 10, 1937 Lackstrom et a1. Sept. 27, 1938 Clawson Dec. 26, 1939 Morehouse et a1. Nov. 18, 194 1 OCasey Jam. 8, 1952 Kuehn Mar. 11, 1952 

1. A CAN HANDLING DEVICE COMPRISING AN ELONGATED BODY MEMBER HAVING DUAL ENDS, ONE SAID END BEING FORMED DOWNWARDLY TO FORM HANDLE MEANS AND THE OTHER SAID END BEING FORMED DOWNWARDLY TO TERMINATE IN HOOK MEANS, SAID BODY MEMBER HAVING A PERFORATION FORMED THERETHROUGH, ADJACENT SAID HOOK MEANS, POURING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID BODY MEMBER AT SAID PERFORATION, PIERCING MEANS DEPENDING FROM SAID BODY MEMBER ADJACENT SAID HOOK MEANS, A LOCKING DEVICE ADJUSTABLE ON SAID BODY MEMBER ADJACENT SAID HANDLE AND ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID CAN; SAID LOCKING DEVICE COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY TUBULAR MEMBER ABOUT SAID BODY MEMBER, A HOOK PORTION EXTENDING FROM BELOW SAID TUBULAR MEMBER TOWARDS ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CAN, A SPRING PLATE CARRIED BY SAID TUBULAR MEMBER, A DETENT BEING FORMED IN SAID SPRING PLATE: AND SAID HOOK PORTION AND SAID DETENTED SPRING PLATE CO-OPERATING TO GRIP SAID CAN. 